I’m very lucky, I get to shoot some of the best courses in the world.

With a new course still under construction, my brief will be to get to the first collateral marketing images to initially help spread the word before it’s completed.

For that reason, 2 years ago I was asked by Troon Golf to shoot Lofoten Links in Norway (it’s in the arctic circle and is the most Northernly Links Course on the globe). Actually It isn’t a new course, it’s been around for over 20 years. It started off with just a few pitch and putt holes,  but owner Frode Hov saw the bigger picture and his determination, perseverance and vision has created 18 of the most stunning & beautiful holes that I’ve had the privilege to visit, twice!

I was already a huge fan, so on arrival after a days traveling consisting of two flights, a nights stop over in Evenes and then a breathtaking 3 hour drive, I was still very excited with anticipation of the prospect shooting the  first official images!

The original layout has changed to accommodate the new 9 holes and so because of the rerouting my shots from 2 years ago are some what redundant. However like my first trip as you might expect in the Arctic Circle the weather at this time of the year is somewhat unpredictable! So my first day was spent dodging rain and snow storms waiting for a break in the clouds to get some light on the course.

Not having much success that day I stayed awake most of the night trying to get my first sighting of the legendary Northern Lights but again the weather wasn’t playing ball.

What a difference a day makes, the next morning as the sun began to rise over the snow capped mountains in the East, The light across the course was soft and diffused as it edged under the passing clouds. This just helped to bring alive the natural colors of the grasses, rocks and wild plants that edge the fairways and greens. I knew it was going to be a good day.

Although it was overcast that night the Northen lights did make a brief appearance, It wasn’t the normal spectacular dancing array of florescent greens but I can now proudly say I’ve experienced one of the special wonders of planet earth.

As I said I’m very lucky, Lofoten Links is the course that everyone is talking about so to be associated in my small way is one of the special highlights of my career to date.

It isn’t the easiest place to get to but the best part is that there are plans to have an airport built on the island and also a 200 bedroom hotel which will be built over the rocky outcrop behind the 18th green with building possibly starting in the next 18 months. However the complete reward won’t be just playing this amazing course, it will be to experience the location and the local hospitality itself.

Lofoten Links officially opens in July 2015, I’m eagerly waiting my invitation.